Donald Trump mocked for saying 'this is not America' while exiting courtroom after E Jean Carroll trial
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Former President Donald Trump briefly testified on Thursday, January 25, at the Manhattan federal courthouse, marking the final testimony in the defamation case brought by writer E Jean Carroll before closing arguments, reported The Hill.
Trump, visibly outraged while leaving the courtroom, stated, "This is not America, not America, this is not America."
Already found guilty of sexually assaulting Carroll in the 1990s, the Republican frontrunner is facing trial for defaming the plaintiff in 2019 by denying the allegations. The writer is seeking at least $10 million in damages.
Trump had ramped up his attacks against Carroll in his campaign speeches, calling the trial rigged. His numerous Truth Social posts insulted her; some were even directed at Judge Lewis Kaplan, who oversees the trial.
Furthermore, staunch allies like Rep Elise Stefanik stirred controversy for backing Trump, calling the Elle Magazine writer a "liar."
Donald Trump interrupts court proceedings
According to the live updates by CNN, Trump interrupted the proceedings while his attorney, Alina Habba, and Judge Kaplan were discussing the scope of the ex-president's testimony.
In the middle of the discussion, Trump, out of nowhere, raised his voice and said, "I never met the woman. I do not know who this woman is. I was not at the trial. I don't know who this woman is."
Receiving a warning from the judge, he later moved to testify. In the less than five-minute testimony, Habba asked him whether he stood by his deposition. "100 percent, yes," Trump replied.
Denying the claim if he ever instructed anyone to harm Carroll, he stated, "No, I just wanted to defend myself and my family."
However, the plaintiff's lawyers' cross-examination took only seconds. Trump shook his head sideways, occasionally glancing at the judge at one point during questioning.
The Republican frontrunner testified at the court following a multi-day delay at the trial due to Covid-related issues. The deliberations will begin on Friday, January 26, to decide how much money Trump should pay Carroll.
Internet reacts to Trump's remarks
Netizens ridiculed the former real estate mogul's remark, "This is not America."
Social media reactions suggested Trump should move out along with his MAGA supporters to another country if he feels so.
One user remarked, "Maybe he should move."
Another user wrote, "Good. Let him move to Cuba and take MAGA with him."
"He’s free to leave!" a third user stated. A fourth user added, "He's such a self centered crybaby."
One user said, "Here’s a great idea: He should take all of his worshippers AND Killary and her misfits, to a deserted island far far away. They can hold their own elections and argue over who really won. Now THAT would 'make America great again.'"
Here’s a great idea:
— Holly (@hollyh78) January 25, 2024
He should take all of his worshippers AND Killary and her misfits, to a deserted island far far away. They can hold their own elections and argue over who really won.
Now THAT would “make America great again.” pic.twitter.com/xoAiLSBoW0
Another user shared a meme mocking Trump.
"It’s NOT America when DT is subject to laws, legal court proceedings, protocols, jury conclusions rest of us minions are. Dictators do not have to answer for their crimes," read a response.
It’s NOT America when DT is subject to laws, legal court proceedings, protocols, jury conclusions rest of us minions are. Dictators do not have to answer for their crimes.
— Sue Felago - Never Back Down (@sfelago) January 25, 2024
One user wittily remarked, "And he just learned NY ain’t MAGA land either LOL."
And he just learned NY ain’t MAGA land either LOL
— WrathofCthulhu (@WrathofCthulhu7) January 25, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.